Although we adults usually complain that our children and teenagers watch too much television, it turns out that the elderly spend the most time in front of TV sets, even though it does not help them, according to US scientists in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Experts from the Stein Institute for Research on Aging and the University of California studied TV viewing habits in a large group of 3 people. 92 Americans aged 15 to 98, using a method similar to writing a daily diary.
It turned out that people over 65 spend three times more time watching TV than young adults, but at the same time they do not feel the joy and satisfaction that accompanies this activity.
Data from previous studies show that, on average, housekeepers spend as much as 4,5 hours a day in front of the TV, and that people over 65 spend as much as 25% watching TV. all your time. At the same time, more and more studies show that a sedentary lifestyle (including watching TV) is not good for health – it negatively affects the cardiovascular system, bones and the functioning of our body cells in general; as well as increases the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, reduces the joy of life, limits social contacts and is at risk of dementia.
The authors of the study were surprised to find that older people enjoy watching TV less than younger people, and that other activities are more satisfying for them.
According to the researchers, in the interests of the health of seniors, it is important to look for alternative activities and entertainment to the excessively watched television. (PAP)